Microsoft has announced that its Copilot AI chatbot will no longer be available on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026. After this date, users will need to switch to Microsoft’s Copilot mobile apps or access the chatbot via the web to continue using the service.
The decision follows WhatsApp’s recent policy update, which restricts the use of its Business API for general-purpose AI chatbots. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, stated that these resources should be reserved for businesses providing customer service, effectively ending WhatsApp as a distribution channel for AI assistants. This change impacts major players like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Perplexity, all of which had integrated their AI tools into the messaging platform.
OpenAI has already confirmed plans to wind down its WhatsApp integration in January.
Impact on Users and Data Retention
Microsoft clarified that chat histories will not be preserved when users migrate from WhatsApp to Copilot’s official platforms. This is because the WhatsApp integration was unauthenticated, meaning conversations were not linked to user accounts. To retain past chats, Microsoft recommends exporting conversations using WhatsApp’s built-in tools before the January 15 deadline.
Why the Change Matters
While businesses can still use AI to serve their own customers, WhatsApp’s new rules eliminate the possibility of using the platform for general AI chatbot distribution, signaling a shift in how conversational AI will be delivered to consumers. For Microsoft, this means focusing on its dedicated Copilot apps and web experience, ensuring compliance while continuing to offer advanced AI capabilities.
